Pneumonectomy Space Infection After Thoracic Duct Embolization

Thoracic duct embolization has gained widespread acceptance as an effective treatment of postoperative chylothorax. We describe a patient with chylothorax after pneumonectomy requiring thoracic duct embolization who presented again with a pneumonectomy space infection. Bacterial culture was positive for gastrointestinal flora, which suggests that the pleural space was inoculated at the time of thoracic duct embolization. We highlight the available literature that may explain the mechanism behind this occurrence and emphasize the need for expanded awareness of this potential complication.